Crusin’ Grand FundraiserSunday, February 19, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Vintage cars will be on display along historic Grand Avenue. Live music and award presentations will be ongoing throughout the day.

2017 State of the City AddressWednesday, February 22, 8:00 a.m. with an optional breakfast at 7:30 a.m.Escondido's Annual State of the City Address by Mayor Sam Abed will be held in the Conference Center of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Persons wishing to attend only the program may do so at no cost, and no reservation is required.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Jacked Up Brewery, a new Escondido business, is serving award winning beer at their tasting room located at 800 West Grand Avenue.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Major Projects Update

Commercial / Office:

Escondido Research and Technology Center – East (ERTC) (Developer: James McCann) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 72,000 square foot medical office building proposed on the east side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2130 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. Building plans have been submitted for plan check. The applicant has recently requested to install a temporary paved parking lot in this area to serve the hospital. A grading plan for the temporary parking lot was approved June 13, 2016. Revisions to that plan are currently being reviewed.

Escondido Research and Technology Center – West (ERTC) (Developer: James McCann) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 144,000 sq. ft. development involving two medical office buildings proposed on the west side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2097 – 2175 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. Esgil and the Planning Division have approved the building plans. A fee deferral agreement has been signed and the building permit was issued June 23, 2016. A tentative parcel map (TPM) for office condominiums was approved on July 12, 2016. A Final Parcel Map was submitted by the applicant on July 25, 2016, and is currently being reviewed by Planning and Engineering. A modified building permit to add a linear accelerator has been approved.

Centerpointe 78 Commercial (Developer: Lars Andersen, Pacific Development) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 45,650 sq. ft. supermarket and restaurant located at 925 N. Broadway. The project was approved by the City Council on December 9, 2015. Demolition of the former auto dealership has been completed down to the foundation. Grading plans have been submitted to Engineering and Planning for review. Building plans for the supermarket were submitted to the Building Division on September 14, 2016 and are being reviewed by Building and Planning staff. A boundary adjustment application to place the two buildings on separate parcels went to Planning on October 14, 2016.

Westfield Theater (Developer: Kim Brewer, Westfield) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 10-auditorium movie theater totaling 57,600 sq. ft. located on the north side of the Westfield Mall. The project was approved by the City Council on November 4, 2015.

Felicita Development, LLC (Developer: Katherine Park, Creative Design Associates) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 140-unit hotel, and a gas station or office/residential care facility at the southeast corner of Felicita Rd. and Gamble Lane. The applicant and staff met with the architect to discuss building elevations, five-story height limitations and site design issues given the existing wetland constraints on the property. Additional technical analysis and coordination is needed to address traffic, biology, water and sewer service, geotechnical and storm water concerns, along with a market study for the proposed uses. The applicant met with the wildlife agencies and is responding to technical studies needed to complete the application.

Springhill Suites (Developer: Raj Patel, San Bernardino Hospitality LLC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a four-story, 105-suite hotel totaling 73,300 sq. ft. located at 200 La Terraza Drive. The hotel includes a small conference room and an enlarged lobby for serving continental breakfast. A revised set of grading plans has been approved since February 2016 and grading for the hotel site has now started. Building plans have been approved and permit fees were paid before the end of the year clearing the way for construction to commence. On January 3, a new ownership group met with the City Council Economic Development Subcommittee and staff to discuss renewing the now-expired Economic Incentive Agreement that had been granted to the original developer. The City Council approved an Economic Incentive Agreement on January 25, 2017.

Escondido Auto Park Association (Developer: Tim Brecht, Escondido Auto Park Association) – No change from the following update reported last week: The association is proposing to upgrade the existing electronic message sign along I-15. An application for a new regional market sign and an amendment to the Sign Ordinance to increase the allowable display area for a regional market sign was submitted to the Planning Division on May 6, 2016. The proposed sign would be located in the same location as the existing sign at a slightly lower height (73.5 feet) with approximately the same overall dimensions. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the new regional market sign and amendment to the Sign Ordinance on July 12, 2016. The City Council approved the new regional market sign and amendment to the Sign Ordinance on August 17, 2016. A building permit for the sign was issued on January 19, 2017.

Downtown Courtyard Marriott Hotel (Developer: Craig Clark) – No change from the following update reported last week: A modification to a Master Plan and a Precise Plan for a revised downtown hotel design consisting of 154 rooms in four stories over ground-level parking. The majority of the building would be located in the parking lot between City Hall and the CCAE conference center. The primary entry to the hotel would be from a redesigned entry drive with new porte cochere on Escondido Boulevard. The hotel would operate the conference center and would provide a bistro and bar area for guests. The application was submitted on November 18, 2016 for processing and review. During the course of review, City staff transmitted comments incrementally to the applicant. A final letter summarizing all requested revisions and/or corrections was sent to the applicant on December 22, 2016. City staff met with the development team on January 10, 2017 to discuss the staff comment letter. Revised plans are expected to be resubmitted soon.

Centre City Commercial Center (Developer: Todd Dwyer) - This commercial redevelopment project proposes a 15,870 square foot commercial shopping center on the southeast corner of Centre City Parkway and W. Mission Avenue, addressed as 425 W. Mission Avenue (former Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Palm Tree Lodge). The project would include three buildings, two of which contain drive-thru restaurants along with other retail or restaurant tenant spaces. The third building would be a drive-thru self-serve carwash. A Plot Plan and Tentative Parcel Map were submitted on January 31, 2017 and staff review is underway. The applicant’s environmental consultant is currently preparing a Draft Initial Study/MND for initial review by staff.

Industrial

StorQuest (Developer: The William Warren Group, Inc.) – No change from the following update reported last week: This proposed project at 220 W. Mission Avenue involves a 102,500 sq. ft., four-story self-storage facility development with three in-line shops and a small office. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment, Planned Development and Zone Change on August 9, 2016. The project was approved by the City Council on September 14, 2016. A grading plan was submitted for review on November 3, 2016. Building plans were submitted during the week of December 19, 2016.

Victory Industrial Development (Developer: Scott Merry, Badiee Development) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project involves two industrial buildings totaling 91,000 sq. ft. (one building 55,500 sq. ft., second building 35,500 sq. ft.) located at 2005 Harmony Grove Road and a zone change from residential to Planned Industrial consistent with the updated General Plan. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment, Planned Development and Zone Change on August 9, 2016. It was approved by the City Council on September 14, 2016. Building plans were submitted into plan check the following day and are now being reviewed by staff. Boundary adjustment applications with three property owners in the adjacent Harmony Grove Business Park that are needed to implement the project design were submitted to Planning on February 8, 2017.

Micro-Filtration Reverse Osmosis (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department) – No change from the following update reported last week: The proposed project involves a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the development of a new City facility to provide advanced treatment for recycled water produced at the City of Escondido’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) for agricultural uses with the capacity for future treatment for indirect potable reuse. The facility would be sized for a total production capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day (mgd). A previous proposal for development of the facility at 2512 East Washington Avenue has now been shelved while staff pursues development of the facility on an alternative site located on the southeastern corner of Washington Avenue and Ash Street. On July 20, 2016, the City Council approved a first-phase design contract with Black and Veatch for the design effort need to bring the new site design to the Planning Commission for CUP consideration. Site and building design concepts have been developed and two neighborhood meetings were held on October 12, 2016 and November 3, 2016. A 30-day public review period for the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration ended on November 27, 2016. The Planning Commission approved the proposed CUP on December 13, 2016. An appeal of that decision was filed and the City Council denied the appeal on January 11, 2017, and affirmed the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the project.

Wastewater Collections Yard Expansion (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project involves development of 1.8 acres of a larger, approximately 15.4-acre site for the construction of a new wastewater collections yard and maintenance facility for the City’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) at 1521 S. Hale Avenue. The proposed facilities will consist of three separate pre-fabricated metal buildings 3,735 sq. ft. - 5,670 sq. ft. for collections; work bays and workshops for regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The project would require the processing of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and rezone. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval on May 10, 2016. It was approved by the City Council on June 15, 2016. Grading, building and landscape plans are now being reviewed by staff for permit issuance.

Escondido Self-Storage Facility (Developer: Brandywine Homes, Inc.) – No change from the following update reported last week: A modification to a Master and Precise Development Plan for revisions to the design of a previously approved, but not yet constructed, self-storage facility with direct access to Brotherton Road near the intersection with Cranston Drive. The proposed project was submitted on May 11, 2016, and proposes approximately 77,500 sq. ft. of storage area in two buildings. The larger building is two stories over a basement with all interior loading. The smaller building is one-story with some exterior roll-up doors. The project site is also part of a five-lot Tentative Map for four residential lots and one commercial lot (Tract 900) that is concurrently being processed for an extension of time. The project was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on September 13, 2016, and the City Council approved the project on October 12, 2016. Building plans were submitted the week of December 11, 2016. Grading and landscape plans and the final map have also been submitted and are being reviewed by staff.

Innovative Industrial Development (Developer: Scott Merry, Badiee Development) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project involves a unique proposal in which two potential industrial development scenarios were analyzed for the 5.76-acre site located at 1925 Harmony Grove Road, directly in front of the “Victory Industrial Development” described above. The first development scenario involves a single tenant building with 98,500 square feet and 197 parking spaces. The alternative scenario envisions three industrial buildings roughly within the same footprint as the single tenant proposal. The three industrial buildings would include a total of 86,000 square feet with 234 parking spaces. An industrial planned development application has been submitted along with a zone change from residential to Planned Industrial consistent with the updated General Plan. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was issued on November 7, 2016 and the public review period closed on November 28, 2016. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of this project on December 13, 2016. The City Council approved the proposal as recommended by the Planning Commission on January 11, 2017.

HARRF Biogas to Energy Project (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a proposed Conditional Use Permit that will utilize the existing digester gas created during the sewage treatment process to power two generators with a combined output of 1,200 kW of power. The gas which is currently being flared on the site will be redirected for a useful purpose and used to offset the HARRF’s demand on utility natural gas and electricity from SDG&E. A Conditional Use Permit for the project was approved by the Planning Commission December 13, 2016.

North American Self-Storage (Developer: Russ Colvin) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project at 852 Metcalf proposes a 132,556 square foot, self-storage facility consisting of four stories over a full basement level on a 1.12-acre site in the M-1 zone. A Plot Plan application was submitted to Planning on September 14, 2016 and was extensively reviewed by all departments. The Planning Division issued a conditional letter of approval on December 21, 2016. An erosion control and demo permit has been approved. The applicant has indicated they plan to submit grading and improvement plans into plan check this week followed soon by building plans.

Institutional

Escondido United Reformed Church (Developer: Brent Cooper) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion for a phased, multi-year, master construction/development plan for a new 12,250 SF two-story sanctuary, conversion of existing buildings to a social hall, demolition of an existing social hall/classroom building (approx. 4,620 SF) and construction of approximately 5,250 SF for a nursery, multi-purpose room, classrooms for Sunday school at 1864 N. Broadway. Revised architectural plans were unanimously approved by the Planning Commission on June 14, 2016. The grading plans are now in plan check.

Emmanuel Faith Community Church (Developer: Jim North, EFCC) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is a phased, multi-year construction and renovation program for the Emmanuel Faith campus that includes demolishing the existing children’s rooms and constructing a new nursery and children’s building for up to 200 children, construction of a two-story training center/youth complex, renovation of the existing high school/college building, conversion of the existing education center into an office and meeting room building, demolition of the existing café and construction of a new café, demolition and construction of a new maintenance building, construction of a new gathering plaza with baptismal outdoor water feature, and reconstruction and expansion of the existing worship center from 1,600 seats to 2,000 seats. The Planning Commission approved the proposed modification to the Conditional Use Permit for the campus on June 9, 2015. Grading, building and landscape plans for the first phase (45,414 square foot new children’s building) have been reviewed by staff and Esgil. The grading permit has been approved and the building permit is expected to be issued soon.

Residential

Oak Creek (Developer: Jason Han, New Urban West) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 65-unit single family development located at the southeastern corner of Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane approved by the City Council in 2015. The LAFCO Board unanimously approved the annexation on October 5, 2015, and the annexation has been recorded. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Amanda Estates (Developer: Jason Han, New Urban West) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 22-unit single family development on Amanda Lane approved by the City Council in 2015. The LAFCO Board approved the reorganization (annexation) at their meeting on August 3, 2015, and the annexation has been recorded. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Pradera (Developer: Moses Kim, Lennar Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project consists of a 70-unit single family development located at the northeastern corner of Ash Street and Lehner Avenue. The developer has obtained building permits for six phases involving 52 homes and those phases are under construction. Homebuyer interest in the product remains high and sales are progressing. All five final maps in the project have now recorded. Precise grading plans for all phases have now been approved. Phases 7 and 8 for the construction of 11 additional homes were received on December 12, 2016.

Lexington (Zenner) (Developer: Eric Johnston, KB Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is a 40-unit, single-family development at the northeastern corner of Lehner Avenue and Vista Avenue.The three model homes on the eastern side of Ash Street are now open and sales are progressing as expected. A rough grading permit was issued for the project site on August 18, 2016 and grading is underway. The final map has been approved by City Council. The precise grading plan for Phase 1 has been approved. Building plans for Phase 1 were submitted into plan check on December 20, 2016 and permits were issued before the end of the year. On January 24, the Planning Commission approved a variance request from KB Homes to reduce perimeter wall setbacks for five residential lots.

Stella Park Condominiums (Developer: Edward Kaen, ETP, LLC) – This project is a 65-unit, three-story townhome Planned Development located at 2516 S. Escondido Blvd. The project includes three separate recreation areas for residents. The City Council approved the project on April 27, 2016. A Substantial Conformance TM and proposed modification to the Precise Development Plan was filed by Lyon Homes on December 12, 2016. The Planning Commission approved a modification to the Precise Development Plan on February 14, 2017.

Wohlford (Developer: Jack Henthorne) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 55-unit single family development located on Bear Valley Parkway east of Encino Drive. A Specific Alignment Plan for Bear Valley Parkway detailing the proposed roadway design is under review. The EIR consultant has recently submitted a second screencheck of the Draft EIR to staff for review. An application for a Development Agreement has recently been submitted by the applicant.

Latitude II (Developer: Peter Zak, Lyon/NCA) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 112-unit multi-family development, located at the northeastern corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington Avenue, and was approved by the City Council on August 19, 2015. A boundary adjustment for a property exchange with the adjacent motel owner has been approved. The Final Map is scheduled for City Council approval on March 1. Grading and building plans are nearing approval.

Canyon Grove Estates Tract 932 (Developer: John Vance, Shea Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 179-lot single family residential development on the north side of Vista Avenue east of Conway Drive. The final architectural design and landscaping plans for the Precise Plan application were approved by the Planning Commission on June 14, 2016. Building permits for the construction of eight model homes have been issued and construction is underway. Phase 1 has also received permits. Building permits for 16 additional homes are nearly ready to issue and the remainder of the homes are now in for building plan check. The applicant is coordinating the plan review for off-site street improvements on Ash Street with the County’s Department of Public Works.

Safari Highlands Ranch (SHR) (Developer: Jeb Hall, Concordia Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 550-unit single family development located east of the Rancho San Pasqual community and north of the San Diego Safari Park. The project involves 1,100 acres including annexation and a Sphere of Influence update for a master planned community with parks, trails, recreation center, fire station and open space. Planning and Engineering extensions of staff have been funded by the applicant and retained to assist the City in processing the project. The City Council approved the consultant contract for preparing the EIR on March 23, 2016. The contract planner has been meeting with the consultant, Michael Baker International (MBI), and has started review of first draft sections of the EIR. While the EIR is generally on schedule, there have been some changes to the site plan, which will affect the EIR schedule. The changes include the elimination of the “water factory” for wastewater treatment, elimination of the public park, changes to the entry road which would now be private instead of public, and relocation of the fire station to the former public park site. These changes will require the applicant’s civil engineer to make a number of revisions to the tentative map, but are not anticipated to affect the proposed development envelope or the number of proposed lots. A revised tentative map depicting the site plan changes was submitted on October 17, 2016 and is being reviewed by staff and the contract planner.

High Pointe Tract 693-J (Developer: Russell Schaeffer, True Life Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a custom-home development with 39 estate lots accessed from Mesa Rock Road. Staff has prepared a bond and fee letter based on the proposed grading and landscape plans, and has sent it to the applicant.

Del Prado (Developer: Kerry Garza, Touchstone Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 113-unit townhome-style Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The project includes a recreational facility, pool, and open space areas. Staff worked through various site design and utility issues with the applicant prior to scheduling the project for a public hearing. The City Council approved the project on May 11, 2016. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

701 San Pasqual Valley Rd (Developer: Bob Stewart) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 19-unit single family development located at 701 San Pasqual Rd/1201 E. 5th Avenue (formerly Tract 898) on 7.2 acres. The application is under review and a letter detailing additional comments and submittal requirements was forwarded to the applicant. Additional information and revised plans were submitted to the Planning Division on June 13, 2016. Planning Division has reviewed the submittal and informed the applicant that it is still incomplete.

Veterans Village (Developer: Veterans Village of San Diego) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving a 54-unit affordable multi-family residential apartment project for military veterans and their families. It includes an on-site administration office, business center, club house and other support spaces for the residents; and a small commercial component to support training opportunities offered at the facility at 1556 S. Escondido Boulevard. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment; the grading plans and landscaping plans have been approved. Demolition has been completed.

Escondido Gateway (Developer: Greg Waite, Integral Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving 126 residential units within three, 4-5 story buildings with indoor and outdoor recreational areas and an opportunity for a small (1,000 sq. ft.) commercial/flex space on 2.6 acres (48 dwelling units/acre) located at 700 W. Grand Avenue (former Police Station) across the street from the Escondido Transit Center. Plans were submitted for the project involving a Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Map, Planned Development and Development Agreement. The City Council approved the project on October 12, 2016. The Development Agreement has been recorded. Building plans were submitted into plan check the week of December 11, 2016. Grading plans and final map were resubmitted (2nd review) on January 23 and January 25, 2017 and are currently being reviewed by staff. Comments and corrections on the building plans have been provided to the applicant and are awaiting resubmittal.

The Villages at Escondido Country Club (Developer: Jason Han, New Urban West, Inc.) – The project would redevelop the former 109.3-acre Escondido Country Club golf course property with a new residential development consisting of 392 dwelling units including single-family detached and attached duplex units. The proposed project density is 3.6 dwelling units per acre with a minimum residential lot size of 2,555 square feet. The development would include 46 acres of open space including a landscaped greenbelt with a four-mile trail system linking park features. Other proposed amenities include a new clubhouse building, swimming pool, gym, tennis/pickle ball court, restaurant and bar and banquet facilities. The proposed General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan, Vesting Tentative Map and Zone Change applications and plans were submitted to the Planning Division on October 31, 2016. The developer has retained Dudek to prepare the Draft EIR for the project. The developer will fund a contract planner working under the direction of the Planning Division to assist the City in processing the project. A kick-off meeting was held on November 15, 2016, to commence project-related discussions between Planning staff and their contract planner, the applicant and the EIR consultant. A letter indicating the project application is incomplete was sent to the applicant on November 30, 2016. City staff met with the applicant on December 22,2016 to review the comment letter. It was conveyed to City staff that the applicant will resubmit in early 2017. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the EIR was issued on January 25 for a 30-day review period ending on February 24. The NOP includes notification of a public scoping meeting that was held on February 13. Planning staff has developed a new section on the City’s website for ECC project-related documents and plans. The information can be accessed at the following link:ECC - City of Escondido

Ivy/Valley Parkway Mixed-Use Development (Developer: Abad Rahan Pars Inc./ Norm Wieme, Architect – No change from the following update reported last week: This project consists of a plot plan application to construct a four-story building with 20 two-bedroom apartment units and approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space on a vacant 0.5-acre parcel located at 113 N. Ivy Street. The conditional letter of approval for the plot plan was approved and issued on September 19, 2016. The applicant has indicated that grading and building plans are expected to be submitted into plan check soon.

Building Division:

The Building Division issued 76 permits with a total valuation of $277,821.

Seventeen photovoltaic permits were issued for the week. The Building Division has issued 101 solar permits this year compared to 140 issued for the same time last year.

Counter technicians assisted, on average, 33 customers per day with 41 customers on Friday.

Building inspections averaged 30 inspections per day with 22 inspections on Friday.

The total building valuation for all issued permits issued this year through the second week of February is $6,033,709 compared with $6,600,322 for the same time last year. Building has processed 350 projects to date compared with 406 projects for the same time period in 2016.

The construction of the City Plaza three-story mixed use building at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. has completed the podium slab and second floor wall framing is progressing.

The Solutions for Change affordable housing project at 1560 S. Escondido Blvd. has received inspection for the first floor exterior frame.

Roof framing is proceeding at The Meadowbrook three-story apartment building with underground garage at 2081 Garden Valley Glen.

Escondido Disposal is erecting the structural steel and roof on their new transfer building.

The Calvin Christian new chapel and auditorium at 2000 N. Broadway has requested a pre-construction meeting and is starting the demolition of on-site buildings.

Demolition has commenced at the former bank building at 444 S. Escondido Blvd.

The Talk of the Town restaurant shell building and carwash building are progressing rapidly toward final inspection that is anticipated within the next two weeks.

The new 4,000 square foot charter school at 201 W. Mission Avenue is requesting a final inspection.

Code Enforcement:

As of February 14, the total number of open code enforcement cases is 603. During the prior week, 113 new cases were opened, and 99 cases were closed, with a backlog of an additional 32 cases not yet opened for assignment and investigation.

A total of 70 illegal signs were confiscated during the weekend.

Last week, the Business License Division issued 26 new licenses and received 39 new applications, in addition to 118 renewals. Nine businesses closed and/or closed out their business licenses.

ENGINEERING

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

2015/2016 Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance ProjectThe tree planting has started with the installation of root barriers which help with future root lift on the sidewalk areas. The trees have been delivered and inspected for planting later this week.

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT

Pradera - Lennar CommunitiesNo changes from the following reported last week: Phase 5 sidewalk is scheduled for this week. Repair of damaged slopes and landscaping from the recent storm is ongoing.

Lexington Model Homes - KB HomesThe installation of the sewer system along Vista Avenue between Lehner Avenue and Broadway is ongoing again this week. The work will include the closure of the roadway between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Electronic message boards are being used to notify residences in the area. The contractor is preparing the onsite management for the rain expected during this weekend’s three-day storm event.

Escondido Boulevard at 3rd AvenueThe contractor is continuing to deliver material for the construction of the second floor. Lane closures along 3rd Avenue will be a regular occurrence to allow for the lifting of construction materials to the newly completed second floor.

Tract 932 - Canyon Grove Shea Homes CommunityThe importing of material has resumed this past week; the grading contractor is continuing the installation of erosion control measures prior to this weekend’s storm. Work on the new traffic signal installation at the Ash Street/Sheridan Avenue intersection is nearing completion with the permanent paving to the interconnect conduit trenches. The traffic signal for El Norte Parkway at Vista Verde has started with the pot holing of utilities to determine conflicts that will need to be addressed.

Quantum Academy at Falconer RoadEscondido Elementary School District is continuing to install a new water main to the existing facility. The contractor has completed the installation of the water syphon which is located in Falconer Street this week.

Veterans Village 1556 S. Escondido BoulevardNo changes from the following reported last week: The grading of the project is in progress.

Latitude II Condominiums by a Lyon Homes Partnership: Washington Avenue at Centre City ParkwayThe contractor has begun water quality testing to the repaired 8” waterline which services the property from Washington Avenue.

Westminster Theological Seminary Graduate Student Housing: Boyle Avenue at Bear Valley ParkwayNo changes from the following reported last week: The contractor has completed the installation of the new water main along the Bear Valley Parkway side of the project. Pressure testing and water quality testing is continuing this week.

Talk of the TownThe contractor was scheduled to construct the street light foundation this Saturday but will now be delayed due the forecast of rain.

Tract 877 – Bernardo Ave. by Ambient CommunitiesNo changes from the following reported last week: The project is a 13 lot single family residential project located at the cul-de-sac end of Bernardo Avenue. The project is idled due to the period of rain the area has been experiencing. The utility contractor is continuing to install the water and sewer services this week along 11th Avenue.

Palomar Medical CenterThe signage has been installed along Citracado Parkway which will permit the on street parking between Auto Parkway and Haverson Place for the next 7 months. The hospital provides free shuttle service between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The installation of new signage is set to begin on Thursday of this week.

FUTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

East Valley Parkway/Date and El Norte Parkway/Fig Traffic SignalsThis project will add new signals at both of these intersections. The design for both projects is complete. Staff submitted all required documentation to Caltrans for approval of the Authorization to Construct, and the request is still with Caltrans’s Headquarters for final approval. The Authorization to Construct is required before the City can advertise this project for bids.

East Valley Parkway/Valley Center Road Widening ProjectOn September 21, 2016 the City received approval on the requested Authorization to Construct for this project, and is expecting a signed original from Caltrans for City files. All environmental permits have been acquired. Staff submitted comments in response to final plans submitted by SDG&E, and is awaiting approval of revisions by SDG&E before proceeding to project bidding.

Jim Stone PoolThis project will renovate both existing pools and update pool equipment required to meet current County Health standards. On December 22, 2016 submitted bids were higher than the available budget. On January 11, 2017, City Council rejected all bids and approved re-scoping the project to re-advertise for bids. The project has been re-advertised and will accept bids through February 16, with a March 1 date for City Council approval.

POLICE

INCIDENTS

On 02/5/17 at 06:35 hours, four subjects were seen in the Maple St. Plaza using narcotics. Officers took an adult male suspect into custody wanted for a felony vandalism. Two female adults were arrested for Drug Possession. Another male adult was issued an EMC citation and ejected from the Plaza for 72 hours.

On 2/5/17 at 12:40 hours, three subjects in a green mini-van pulled into the parking lot of 125 W. Mission Ave. The driver and front seat passenger wore hooded sweatshirts and bandanas covering their faces. The third subject was seated in the backseat of the van and was known to the victim. The masked passenger exited the vehicle as it pulled up next to the victim who was seated in a parked vehicle. The subject shouted “pure Diablos” and fired two shots at the vehicle where the victim was seated. The victim was not injured. The vehicle fled westbound on Mission Avenue and the suspects were not located.

On 2/6/17 at 02:40 hours, two male suspects dressed in dark clothing entered the AM-PM mini mart at 100 La Terraza Blvd. Both suspects were completely covered and unidentifiable. One suspect was armed with a shotgun and other with a handgun. The suspects robbed the clerk of cash and cigarettes. The suspects fled eastbound on Valley Parkway in a waiting black four-door sedan.

On 2/6/17 at 18:50 hours, officers respond to assist probation with a probationer who was in possession of a firearm. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who is a Westside gang member. The suspect was in possession of a 22 caliber revolver, numerous rounds of ammunition and cocaine. Officers also contacted a second male inside the residence and he was found to be in possession of 60 grams of cocaine. Both suspects were arrested on various weapon and drug-related charges.

On 2/8/17 at 22:21 hours, officers were dispatched to the area of Vermont Avenue and Juniper Street regarding a serious injury collision. Officers and Escondido Fire paramedics arrived on scene minutes later and determined a vehicle had struck a pedestrian. Fire personnel attempted life saving measures however the pedestrian died at the scene. Based on witness statements and physical evidence at the scene it appears an 18-year-old male was driving west on Vermont Avenue from Juniper Street in a 2004 BMW 325i. His vehicle struck an elderly female pedestrian in the roadway. The female was not carrying identification and has not been identified at this point. The male driver of the BMW was not injured and alcohol or drug impairment is not a factor.

On 2/10/17 at 15:20 hours, a victim was walking in the parking lot of the Corner Liquor Store, 320 N. Midway Drive, when he was suddenly attacked by a Hispanic male adult, who yelled, “pocket check!”. The victim was stabbed 8 times and sustained multiple non-life threatening stab wounds to his head and arms. The suspect was described as being in his 20’s with long slicked back hair and was last seen heading south into the complex at 260 N. Midway Drive.

On 2/11/17, at 22:32 hours, officers were dispatched to 572 N. Tulip Street for an audible alarm activation. Officers arrived on scene within 2 minutes to find flames coming from the roof. A full response from Escondido Fire along with engines from San Marcos and Carlsbad extinguished the fire within 2 hours. The Ducati Motorcycle business is a total loss. Escondido Fire is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

EVENTS

On 2/6/17 members from New Venture Church brought brand-new furniture to the Police Department to create a “soft room.” The idea of the room is to provide a comfortable place for victims of crime and/or their family members to wait while an investigation is being conducted. The Chief will be recognizing their efforts at the annual Police Department awards ceremony.

On 2/8/17, Sergeant Mike Graesser graduated from The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, (SBSLI) which is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

On 2/11/17, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to a reported commercial building fire at Hale Avenue and Tulip Street. Responding units immediately observed heavy smoke and fire and a second alarm response was requested. The Battalion Chief’s initial report included a large fire in the rear of the building with fire already through the roof. Firefighters attacked the fire defensively using large hose lines and areal ladders to apply water from the outside of the structure. Firefighters reported that the roof had burned through or collapsed and that several of the walls showed signs of separating at the corners. Due to the danger of potential wall collapse, firefighters maintained a safety zone and continued to apply water until the fire was contained and controlled.

Responding units included: 9 Engines, 3 Trucks, 3 Ambulances and 4 Chief Officers. A total 46 firefighters of from Escondido, San Marcos and Carlsbad helped control the fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

The building was occupied by Moto Forza, a Ducati motorcycle service and sales center. The fire completely destroyed the service area of the building. Over 100 motorcycles, equipment, tools and parts were damaged or destroyed. The fire is estimated to have caused approximately $3 million in damage to the building and contents.

Due to the instability of the structure, fire investigators were unable to gain immediate access to the building. On Tuesday, February 14, 2017 the building was properly secured and Fire Investigators began the process of determining the cause and origin. The investigation is ongoing and could take several days to complete.